[0001] The present invention relates to a reminder device and, more particularly, to a dosage
reminder device and a method for reminding a user to take a dosage of medication.
Background of the Invention
[0002] US-A-4 293 845 discloses a pocket-size electronic multi-patient medication time intake
programmer and alarm system. The system includes a clock, which is set by the user
using a keyboard, a microprocessor and memory. The user can program the system to
sound an alarm at regular intervals by inputting the necessary information. The information
includes the patient name; medicine name; the frequency the patient is to take the
medicine (in hour intervals); the duration for which the patient is to take the medicine;
the dosage and quantity; and the time for starting the medication intake. The information
is entered into the system memory and the microprocessor compares the information
present on the clock with the information stored in the memory and sounds an alarm
when they coincide.
[0003] It is now well known that smoking is a leading cause of heart and lung diseases.
Indeed warning labels are required on all cigarette packages, cigarette advertising
has been banned from the broadcast media, and smoking in public areas, such as airplanes,
trains, offices and restaurants is being restricted or banned.
[0004] Cigarette smoking causes physical addiction to nicotine. Accordingly, it is very
difficult to quit smoking cigarettes without participating in a smoking cessation
program carefully designed to wean a user from the nicotine addition and the smoking
habit. Smoking cessation programs generally last for a specific duration or treatment
period and provide a regimen of intervals, of generally increasing duration, at which
time the user performs a certain task, such as smoking a cigarette, or having a cigarette
substitute. However, it is often difficult for a user to adhere to the program schedule
since the time between intervals is generally gradually increasing.
[0005] Accordingly, the present invention provides means and methods for a person to more
easily adhere to a specific schedule adapted to reduce the user's propensity to smoke,
Summary of the Invention
[0006] Briefly stated, the present invention comprises a reminder device for notifying a
user of the expiration of a first predetermined time period and of the expiration
of an interval time period. The invention is achieved as set out in the appended claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0007] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of a preferred
embodiment of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with
the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown
in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood,
however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentality
shown. In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electrical circuit for a reminder device
in accordance with the present invention;
Figs. 2A-2E are flow diagrams showing the operation of the reminder device of Fig.
1; and
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of preferred mechanical features of the reminder device
of Fig. 1.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
[0008] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and
is not limiting. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions towards
and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the dosage reminder device and
designated parts thereof. The term reset refers to clearing a register or timer so
that the register or timer represents a value of zero. The terminology includes the
words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
[0009] The reminder device in accordance with the present invention is a timer which can
be used for reminding a user to take a dosage of medication at specified intervals.
More specifically, the reminder device can be used in connection with a nicotine chewing
gum while participating in a smoking cessation program. The smoking cessation program
for which the preferred embodiment of the reminder device is used has a duration of
twelve weeks and aims to wean a smoker from the desire to smoke a cigarette by substituting
a piece of special chewing gum containing nicotine for a cigarette and gradually increasing
the time interval between chewing pieces of the gum over the twelve week program period.
Thus, the smoking cessation program recognizes that part of a persons addiction to
smoking is due to a physical addiction to the nicotine contained in cigarettes. The
device informs the user/program participant when to chew a piece of the gum during
the smoking cessation program. The time between each dosage (interval time) gradually
increases over the twelve-week period (elapsed time), as specified by a particular
schedule or algorithm, described in further detail below.
[0010] Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements
throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1-3 a presently preferred embodiment of the reminder
device, indicated generally at 10. The reminder device 10 ceases to operate and thereby
notifies the user of the expiration of a first predetermined time period representative
of the program duration. In the preferred embodiment, the program duration is twelve
weeks. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from this
disclosure that the reminder device 10 can be designed to accommodate other first
predetermined time periods, such as 16 weeks, six months, one year, etc. The reminder
device 10 also notifies the user of the expiration of an interval time period with
an audible signal. The interval time period represents the time between prescribed
dosages. As will be seen, the interval time period varies, and in the preferred embodiment,
the interval time period gradually increases over the twelve week duration of the
smoking cessation program. However, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art from this disclosure that many variations of interval time periods can
be used, such as gradually or rapidly increasing, gradually or rapidly decreasing
or constant.
[0011] Referring to Fig. 1, a schematic diagram showing a preferred embodiment of an electrical
circuit for the reminder device 10 comprises a single chip microcontroller 12 having
on-chip memory. In the presently preferred embodiment, the microcontroller 12 is preferably
an 8-bit CMOS microcontroller with a 1024 x 14 on-chip OTPROM, such as the model PIC
16C71 available from Microchip Technology Incorporated of Chandler, Arizona. Details
of the structure and operation of the microcontroller 12 are available from the manufacturer
and are presented in a handbook provided by the manufacturer. However, other microcontroller
chips or discrete hardware can be used to implement the reminder device 10, as will
be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0012] The reminder device 10 implemented with the microcontroller 12 has a first timing
means for updating an elapsed interval time and a second timing means for updating
a current interval time. The first timing means runs continuously, without stopping,
from the time that the reminder device 10 is activated until the end of the program
(12 weeks). The elapsed interval time is the length of time that the reminder device
10 has been in operation since activated and the current interval time is the length
of time since the expiration of a previous predetermined interval or since the activation
of the reminder device 10 in the case of the first interval. The elapsed interval
time and the current interval time are maintained in separate registers within the
microcontroller 12 and are updated every 250 milliseconds internally within the microcontroller
12 by the first and second timing means. The elapsed interval time is maintained in
the register in days, hours, minutes and seconds elapsed since activation of the device
10 and the current interval time is maintained in hours, minutes and seconds elapsed
since the previous current interval elapsed. Since it is understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art how to operate two timers within a microcontroller, this function
will not be described further.
[0013] The microcontroller 12 is operated in a power saving low frequency (LP) mode. Accordingly,
a 32 kHz crystal 16 is connected to the OSC1 input (pin 16) of the microcontroller
12 by way of a conductor 17 and to the OSC2/CLKOUT output (pin 15) of the microcontroller
12 by way of a conductor 19. The 32 kHz crystal 16 is commercially available from
a variety of sources and is of a type commonly used in electronically actuated wristwatches.
A capacitor 18 (C
2) is interconnected between crystal 16 and a common ground point 22 by way of conductor
17 and a capacitor 20 (C
3) is interconnected between crystal 16 and the common ground point 22 by way of conductor
19. As specified in the microcontroller 12 handbook, capacitor 18 (C
2) and capacitor 20 (C
3) are each preferably 15 pF. The crystal 16 and capacitors 18, 20 function to establish
oscillation and clock signals for use within the microcontroller 12.
[0014] As previously discussed, the reminder device 10 operates for a first predetermined
time period, i.e. twelve weeks, which is the preferred length of the smoking cessation
program and the predetermined current intervals are predetermined time periods of
gradually increasing duration. At the expiration of each current interval, the user
is notified that it is time to chew a piece of nicotine containing gum. The microcontroller
12 provides a means for determining and storing a predetermined interval time period.
In the presently preferred embodiment, the on-chip OTPROM is used to store a plurality
of predetermined interval time periods which are determined based upon how far along
the twelve week program the user has progressed. The predetermined interval time periods
(in hours) used in the presently preferred embodiment of the invention are shown in
Table 1.
TABLE 1
|
DAY1 |
DAY2 |
DAY3 |
DAY4 |
DAY5 |
DAY6 |
DAY7 |
WK1 |
1.33 |
1.35 |
1.37 |
1.38 |
1.40 |
1.41 |
1.43 |
WK2 |
1.45 |
1.46 |
1.48 |
1.50 |
1.51 |
1.53 |
1.54 |
WK3 |
1.56 |
1.58 |
1.59 |
1.61 |
1.63 |
1.64 |
1.66 |
WK4 |
1.67 |
1.69 |
1.71 |
1.72 |
1.74 |
1.76 |
1.77 |
WK5 |
1.79 |
1.80 |
1.82 |
1.84 |
1.85 |
1.87 |
1.89 |
WK6 |
1.90 |
1.92 |
1.93 |
1.95 |
1.97 |
1.98 |
2.00 |
WK7 |
2.00 |
2.10 |
2.20 |
2.30 |
2.40 |
2.50 |
2.60 |
WK8 |
2.70 |
2.80 |
2.90 |
3.00 |
3.10 |
3.20 |
3.30 |
WK9 |
3.40 |
3.50 |
3.60 |
3.70 |
3.80 |
3.90 |
4.00 |
WK10 |
4.00 |
4.20 |
4.40 |
4.60 |
4.80 |
5.00 |
5.20 |
WK11 |
5.40 |
5.60 |
5.80 |
6.00 |
6.20 |
6.40 |
6.60 |
WK12 |
6.80 |
7.00 |
7.20 |
7.40 |
7.60 |
7.80 |
8.00 |
Each of these predetermined interval time periods is stored in a memory location
of the OTPROM within the microcontroller 12. For each day of the program, the interval
time is the same, e.g. for all of day 2 of week 2 (WK2), the interval time is 1.46
hours. The program starts with a predetermined interval time equal to 1.33 hours and
ends with an interval time of 8 hours (day 7 of week 12). For the first six weeks,
the program increments the interval time by 0.016 hours each day. For weeks seven
to nine, the interval time is incremented by 0.10 hours each day, and for the last
three weeks, the interval time is incremented by 0.20 hours per day. Although the
reminder device 10 has the specific values shown in Table 1 stored in memory, it will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other values can be stored
in the memory for other programs.
[0015] A logic unit within the microcontroller 12 is used for selecting one of the plurality
of predetermined interval time periods (table 1) depending upon the current day number,
as specified by the elapsed interval time kept by the first timing means. In the presently
preferred embodiment, the microcontroller 12 uses the current day number as an index
pointer to the one time programmable memory or OTPROM within the microcontroller 12
to locate and fetch one of the predetermined interval time periods. The fetched predetermined
interval time period is read from memory and stored in a register for use as described
hereinafter. Although the presently preferred embodiment uses a lookup table within
the microcontroller 12 internal memory to maintain a plurality of predetermined interval
time periods, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from this
disclosure that the predetermined interval time period could be calculated according
to a specified algorithm, in which case all of the intervals would not need to reside
in internal memory, but could be calculated upon the expiration of the current interval
time.
[0016] The microcontroller 12 (general registers and arithmetic logic unit) is used as a
first means for comparing the current interval time, as maintained by the second timing
means, to the predetermined interval time period previously fetched from memory and
stored in a register to generate a first compare signal. The microcontroller 12 is
also used as a second means for comparing the elapsed interval time, as maintained
by the first timing means, to the first predetermined time period (i.e. the program
duration of twelve weeks) to generate a second compare signal. It is understood by
those of ordinary skill in the art how to program a microcontroller to perform a compare
function for generating a signal indicating that the values compared are equal or
not equal and, therefore, specifics of the program will not be further described.
The first and second compare signals are used to drive the RA1/AIN1 input/output pin
(pin 18) of the microcontroller 12 as discussed below.
[0017] An alarm 24 responsive to the first compare signal notifies the user that the current
interval time is equal to the predetermined interval time period signifying the expiration
of the predetermined interval time period. The alarm 24 is connected to the RA1/AIN1
input/output pin (pin 18) of the microcontroller 12 by way of conductor 25 and to
the common ground 22. In the preferred embodiment, the alarm 24 comprises a commonly
available thin disk type piezo speaker which operates at low power and emits a loud
sound. The alarm 24 can be made by the microcontroller 12 to emit, among other tones,
a "blip" sound or a "buzz" sound, depending upon the duration and frequency of the
signal transmitted over the conductor 25 from the RA1/AIN1 input/output pin. When
the second compare signal appears, the elapsed interval time is equal to the first
predetermined time period signifying that the twelve week program period is over and
operation of the device 10 ceases. Although first and second compare signals have
been described, the first and second compare signals can comprise two separate signals
driven over the same conductor at different times during program execution. Further,
the first and second compare means can comprise the same compare hardware, but again
used at different times. The RA0/AIN0 input/output pin (pin 17) of the microcontroller
12 is tied to a common ground by way of a conductor 31 and the RB6 input/output pin
(pin 12) of the microcontroller 12 is also tied to ground by the conductor 31.
[0018] A first switch 26 is provided for disabling the alarm 24, resetting the current interval
time, and fetching a new predetermined interval time. The first switch 26 is connected
between the RB4 input/output pin (pin 10) of the microcontroller 12 by way of a conductor
27 and ground by way of a conductor 29. Normally, the RB4 input/output pin is connected
to +5 volts (V
DD) by way of the conductor 27 and a pull-up resistor 36 (R
3). When the first switch 26 is actuated, the switch connects the RB4 pin to ground,
thereby changing the input on the RB4 pin from a logic 1 to a logic 0. The microcontroller
12 detects the change of state and generates an interrupt, which causes the microcontroller
12 to turn off the alarm, reset the current interval time, and fetch a new predetermined
interval time. In the preferred embodiment, the first switch 26 is a push button type
switch located on a front face 28 (Fig. 3) of the reminder device 10.
[0019] At the end of the current interval time period, as previously described, the microcontroller
12 causes alarm 24 to sound by driving the RA1/AIN1 pin which is connected to the
alarm 24. The user is thus notified that it is time to chew a piece of the gum. The
user can actuate the first switch 26 to disable the alarm 24 and signal the microcontroller
12 to determine a new predetermined interval time period. As previously discussed,
this is done by performing a table or memory lookup using the day number portion of
the elapsed time counter maintained by the microcontroller 12. The new predetermined
interval time period is then stored in a register, as previously described, the current
interval time stored in another register is reset. The second timing means then updates
the current interval time every 250 milliseconds, as previously discussed. Since the
first switch 26 is to be actuated whenever the user chews a piece of the gum to notify
the microcontroller 12 to fetch a new predetermined interval time period and reset
the interval time, the first switch 26 is also referred to as the CHEW button.
[0020] The reminder device 10 further comprises a second switch 30 for temporarily disabling
the alarm 24. In particular, the second switch 30 is actuated when the user is resting,
sleeping or for some other reason does not wish to be disturbed by the alarm 24. In
the presently preferred embodiment, the second switch 30 is a two position slide type
switch located on the front face 28 of the reminder device 10 (Fig. 3). In a first,
WAKE position, the second switch 30 connects the RB5 input/output pin (pin 11) of
the microcontroller 12 to ground by way of conductor 29. In a second, SLEEP position,
the second switch 30 connects the RB5 input/output pin to +5 volts (V
DD) by way of conductor 33. The RB7 input/output pin (pin 13) of the microcontroller
is also connected to +5 volts (V
DD) by way of conductor 33 and pull-up resistor 40 (R
4). Since the second switch 30 is envisioned for use when the user is sleeping, the
second switch 30 is referred to as the SLEEP/WAKE switch. Further details of the operation
of the CHEW button 26 and the SLEEP/WAKE switch 30 will be described hereinafter in
conjunction with the operation of the device 10.
[0021] A third switch means 32 is provided for initiating device 10 operation. The third
switch 32 means interconnects the microcontroller 12 to a device power source. In
the presently preferred embodiment, the device power source comprises two 3 volt thin
profile, lithium coin cells 34a, 34b connected in series. A resistor 38 (R
6) and the 3 volt cells 34a, 34b are connected in series between the third switch means
32 and ground, and provide the V
DD input (pin 14) to the microcontroller 12. A decoupling capacitor 42 (C
4) is interconnected between V
DD and ground. In the presently preferred embodiment, the third switch means 32 comprises
a pull tab of a type well known in the art for providing power to the microcontroller
12. When the third switch means 32 is actuated, i.e. pulled, the switch is closed
and +5 volts from the power source 34a, 34b is provided to the V
DD input of the microcontroller 12.
[0022] The reminder device 10 also includes external power on reset circuitry to ensure
that the microcontroller 12 is clear on start-up (i.e. when the third switch means
32 is actuated). The external power on reset circuitry comprises a first resistor
44 (R
1) connected to V
DD and a second resistor 46 (R
2) connected in series to the first resistor 44 and to the active low MCLR input pin
(pin 4) of the microcontroller 12. A capacitor 48 (C
1) tied to ground is connected in parallel to the resistors 44, 46 and provides an
appropriate delay upon power up to ensure that the microcontroller 12 receives a master
clear input.
[0023] As previously discussed, the device 10 ceases operating at the end of the first predetermined
time period (i.e. the 12 week program time has elapsed). Upon the expiration of the
first predetermined time period, the device 10 may be reset and the program restarted.
However, in order to prevent continued reuse of the device 10, the device 10 includes
a reset flag for preventing the device 10 from being reset and restarted more than
one time after the expiration of the first predetermined time period. Operation of
the reset flag is discussed hereinafter in further detail in the description of the
device 10 operation.
[0024] The RA4/RTCC pin (pin 3) of the microcontroller 12 is connected in series to a pull-up
resistor 50 (R
5), which is connected to +5 volts (V
DD). The VSS, RB0/INT, RB1, RB2 and RB3 pins (pins 5-9) of the microcontroller 12 are
all tied to ground, and the RA2/AIN2 and RA3/AIN3 pins (pins 1-2) of the microcontroller
12 are unused.
[0025] As shown in Fig. 3, the device 10 is packaged in a credit-card sized package 14,
with the first timing means, second timing means, means for determining and storing,
first means for comparing, and second means for comparing all being internal to the
microcontroller 12. The credit card size packaging 14 allows the device 10 to easily
fit into a shirt pocket, purse, or wallet, or otherwise be easy to carry and unobtrusive
to the user participating in the smoking cessation program. Such credit-card sized
packaging of electronic devices, such as calculators, storage devices, and smart cards
is well known. Moreover, credit-card sized electronic devices may be obtained from
a variety of vendors and may include a variety of different electronic components
and associated electronic memory, as is well known by those of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0026] Particulars of operation of the circuitry for the reminder device 10 will now be
discussed with reference to Figs. 2A-2E. The microcontroller 12 contains the timer
algorithm and associated software to run the device 10. Referring now to Fig. 2A,
the device 10 is started at step 52 by pulling on and removing a pull tab, the third
switch 32, to initially connect the power source 34a, 34b to the microcontroller 12
and by placing the SLEEP/WAKE switch 30 in the WAKE position. Once power is connected
to the microcontroller 12, the microcontroller is configured and the timers (i.e.
registers) are cleared at step 54. As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in
the art, the microcontroller has a software program stored in memory (OTPROM) and
the software is interrupt driven. Timer interrupts occur every 250 milliseconds, while
other interrupts, such as a CHEW interrupt (described below) occur as the result of
an external event (i.e. the user depressing the CHEW button 26.
[0027] After clearing the timers (registers) at step 54, the software checks to determine
if the SLEEP/WAKE switch 30 is in the WAKE position at step 56. If the SLEEP/WAKE
switch 30 is in the SLEEP position (i.e. connecting microcontroller 12 RB5 pin (pin
11) to V
DD) then the software repeats step 56 until the position of the SLEEP/WAKE switch 30
is changed to the WAKE position. If, on the other hand, the SLEEP/WAKE switch 30 is
in the WAKE position (i.e. connecting microcontroller 12 RB5 pin (pin 11) to ground),
then software execution proceeds to step 58. At step 58, the first timing means is
started and thereafter the elapsed interval time maintained in the register within
the microcontroller 12 is updated every 250 milliseconds.
[0028] At step 60, a first predetermined interval time is calculated. As previously discussed,
the predetermined interval time is fetched from a lookup table in the microcontroller
12 memory using a portion of the elapsed interval time (i.e., the day number) as an
index into the lookup table. At step 62 the alarm 24 emits an audible tone to notify
the user that the device has been initialized and is operative. The software then
proceeds to an idle loop, indicated at step 63, and repeats step 64, which checks
for the occurrence of an interrupt. Some of the interrupts which can occur are a timer
interrupt (Fig. 2B) and a CHEW interrupt (Fig. 2C), described in detail below.
[0029] Fig. 2B is a flow diagram of a timer interrupt, beginning at step 66. The timer interrupt
is generated internally by the microcontroller 12 and occurs every 250 milliseconds.
When the timer interrupt occurs, the software proceeds to update the elapsed interval
time at step 68 and then compares the elapsed interval time to the first predetermined
time period and generates a signal indicative of whether the predetermined time period
has expired at step 70. If the result of the comparison performed at step 70 is negative
(i.e. the elapsed interval time is less than the first predetermined time period),
then execution proceeds with step 72. However, if the elapsed interval time is greater
than or equal to the first predetermined time period, execution proceeds with step
74, which checks to determine whether the reset flag has been set. If the reset flag
is not set, then the program branches to the IDLE routine, indicated at 63 in Fig.
2A. If the reset flag is set, then execution proceeds with step 76, which disables
all inputs and timers so that the reminder device 10 is no longer operable and the
program stops, as indicated at 78. This portion of the program prevents the device
from being restarted more than once.
[0030] At step 72, the software checks to determine the status of the SLEEP/WAKE switch
30. If the switch 30 is in the SLEEP position, then the software branches to the IDLE
routine, as indicated at step 63. Thus, it can be seen that when the SLEEP/WAKE switch
30 is in the SLEEP position, then the reminder device does not update the current
interval time and will not sound the alarm 24 indicating that the current interval
time has ended. However, if the switch 30 is in the WAKE position, then software execution
proceeds to step 80, at which time the current interval time is updated. At step 82,
the current interval time is compared to the predetermined interval time period (previously
fetched from the lookup table) and a signal indicative of whether the predetermined
interval time period has expired is generated. If the result of the comparison performed
at step 82 is negative (i.e. the current interval time is less than the predetermined
interval time period), then execution proceeds by returning to the IDLE routine at
step 63. However, if the current interval time is greater than or equal to the predetermined
interval time period, execution proceeds with step 84.
[0031] At step 84, the software causes the alarm 24 to emit a tone indicating to the user
that it is time to chew a piece of the gum. If the CHEW button 26 is not depressed
at this time, the reminder device automatically proceeds to step 86 when the alarm
24 stops emitting the tone to reset the current interval time, determine the next
predetermined interval time period at step 88, and proceed to the IDLE routine at
step 63. The tone emitted by the alarm 24 when the current interval time is greater
than or equal to the predetermined interval time period is two long beeps. Each beep
has a duration of approximately 150 milliseconds, and is repeated each second for
four seconds. It should be noted that the user could cause a CHEW interrupt by depressing
the CHEW button 26 at any time, which would cause the software to branch to the CHEW
interrupt routine (Fig. 2C) described below.
[0032] The CHEW interrupt, indicated at step 90 (Fig. 2C) occurs whenever the user depresses
the CHEW button 26. The purpose of the CHEW interrupt is to signal the reminder device
10 to abort the alarm 24, and indicate that the user has taken (chewed) a piece of
the gum and that a new predetermined interval time should be fetched and the current
interval time reset. The CHEW interrupt routine begins by checking the position of
the SLEEP/WAKE switch 30 at step 92. If the SLEEP/WAKE switch 30 is in the SLEEP position,
then the software branches to the RESET routine 94, described in further detail below.
If the SLEEP/WAKE switch 30 is in the WAKE position, then the software continues with
step 96, which causes the alarm 24 to emit a single short "blip" tone indicating to
the user that the device 10 has received the CHEW button 26 input. The software then
proceeds to step 98 which resets the current interval time and step 100 which determines
the next predetermined interval time period. After the next predetermined interval
time period has been determined, the software returns to the IDLE routine at step
63.
[0033] Fig. 2D illustrates the flow of the software when the SLEEP/WAKE switch 30 is moved,
beginning with step 102. When the SLEEP/WAKE switch 30 is moved, the software checks
to determine if the switch 30 is in the WAKE position at step 104. If the switch 30
is not in the WAKE position, then the user has just moved the switch 30 from the WAKE
position to the SLEEP position, in which case step 106 causes two short "blip" tones
to be emitted by the alarm 24 to notify the user that the device is now in a SLEEP
mode. In the SLEEP mode, the current interval time is not updated when a timer interrupt
occurs (see step 72, Fig. 2B) and accordingly, the current interval does not approach
the predetermined interval time period and so the alarm 24 does not sound indicating
that the current interval time has expired. This allows the user to sleep or rest
without being disturbed by the device 10. However, the elapsed interval time is still
continuously updated so that the correct predetermined interval time period is determined
when the user returns the device 20 to the WAKE mode.
[0034] When the user moves the SLEEP/WAKE switch 30 from the SLEEP to the WAKE position,
generally when the user wakes up or is no longer resting, the device 10 by way of
the alarm 24 emits a tone at step 108, notifying the user that the switch 30 is in
the WAKE position and that the user should chew a piece of the gum. After the alarm
24 sounds (step 108), the current interval time is reset, step 110, and the next predetermined
interval time period is determined, step 112. After determining and storing the new
predetermined interval time period, the software branches to the IDLE routine, step
63.
[0035] The flow of the RESET routine is illustrated in Fig. 2E, as indicated at step 94.
The reset routine is executed when the user inputs a predetermined sequence. The device
10 may only be reset once and will abort the RESET routine at step 114 and go to the
IDLE routine if the reset flag is set. In order to continue the RESET routine, the
predetermined sequence is to verify at 92 that the SLEEP/WAKE switch 30 is in the
SLEEP position and then press and hold the CHEW button 26 for approximately three
seconds, step 116. If the CHEW button 26 is not held for at least three seconds, the
RESET routine is aborted and the software branches to the IDLE routine. If the CHEW
button 26 is held for at least three seconds, three "blip" tones are emitted by the
alarm 24 to confirm that the CHEW button 26 was held for at least three seconds. Next,
while holding the CHEW button 26, the user must toggle the SLEEP/WAKE switch 30 to
WAKE, then SLEEP within three seconds after the triple "blip" tone. The RESET routine
checks to make sure that the SLEEP/WAKE switch 30 was toggled within three seconds
at step 120. If the SLEEP/WAKE switch 30 was not toggled within three seconds, the
RESET routine is aborted and the software branches to the IDLE routine, otherwise,
the software proceeds to step 122, which sets the reset flag, and then branches to
START, indicated at 124, which begins with step 58.
[0036] In conjunction with the reminder device 10, the present invention also provides a
smoking cessation program comprising a predetermined amount of nicotine chewing gum
and the reminder device 10 for notifying a user when to chew a piece of the chewing
gum and of the expiration of a first predetermined time period (i.e. the program end
point). As previously discussed, the device 10 ceases operating at the end of the
first predetermined time period and includes a reset flag for preventing the device
10 from being reset and restarted more than one time after the device 10 ceases operating.
[0037] The present invention also includes a method of reminding a user when to chew a piece
of nicotine containing gum as part of a smoking cessation program. The program is
of a fixed length and has a predetermined program end point. A plurality of predetermined
intervals are included for notifying the user when a piece of gum should be chewed.
The first step in the method is to provide the reminder device 10, which has an elapsed
time counter for continuously maintaining the length of time that the user has been
taking part in the smoking cessation program, an interval time counter for maintaining
a current interval time, a comparator for determining the expiration of an interval
and the expiration of the program, an alarm for notifying the user of the expiration
of an interval, and a first switch for resetting the interval time counter and determining
a new interval time.
[0038] The second step in the method is for the user to initiate the device 10 operation
by starting the elapsed time counter and the interval time counter. The user is to
actuate the first switch 26 in response to the alarm 24 notifying the user that an
interval has ended. Actuating the first switch 26 disables the alarm 24, resets the
interval time counter and determines a new interval time. At this point, the user
chews a piece of the gum in response to the alarm 24 sounding. The smoking cessation
program continues by repeating the second step until the program has ended.
[0039] The method can also include the step of temporarily disabling the interval time counter
when the user is resting or sleeping. Moreover, if upon expiration of the program
the user desires to participate in the program a second time, the user can reset the
device 10. However, the device 10 includes a reset flag so that the device 10 can
only be used two times.
[0040] Although the foregoing invention has been described in conjunction with a particular
smoking cessation program, the device 10 can be used in conjunction with other regimens
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0041] From the foregoing description, it can be seen that the present invention provides
a reminder device for notifying a user when to perform an action, i.e. take a dosage
of medication. The reminder device 10 is used for notifying a user when to chew a
piece of gum in lieu of smoking a cigarette, as part of a smoking cessation program.
The reminder device 10 provides a practical and easy means for maintaining a scheduled
program. Further, the reminder device 10 can be easily and efficiently manufactured.
Although the reminder device 10 has been described for use in connection with a smoking
cessation program, it is understood that the device can be used in connection with
other programs in which it would be convenient to have an electronic reminder. Thus,
it will be appreciated that changes and modifications may be made to the above described
embodiment without departing from the inventive concept thereof. Therefore, it is
understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiment
disclosed, but is intended to include all modifications and changes which are within
the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
1. A reminder device (10) for notifying a user of the expiration of a first predetermined
time period and of the expiration of an interval time period, the device (10) comprising:
first timing means for updating an elapsed interval time;
second timing means for updating a current interval time;
determining means for determining a predetermined interval time period;
first comparing means for comparing the current interval time to the predetermined
interval time period and generating a first compare signal therefrom;
second comparing means for comparing the elapsed interval time to the first predetermined
time period and generating a second compare signal therefrom to cease operation of
the device (10) when the elapsed interval time is the same as the first predetermined
time period;
an alarm (24) responsive to the first compare signal for notifying the user that the
current interval time is equal to the predetermined interval time period signifying
the expiration of the predetermined interval time period; and
a first switch (26) for disabling the alarm and signalling the determining means to
determine a new predetermined interval time period, reset the current interval time
and restart the second timing means.
2. A reminder device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the determining means determines
the new predetermined interval time period in dependence on the elapsed interval time
in the first timing means.
3. A reminder device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the device (10) further
comprises a reset flag for preventing the device (10) from being reset and restarted
more than one time after the expiration of the first predetermined time period.
4. A reminder device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a second switch
(30) for temporarily disabling the alarm (24).
5. A reminder device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a third
switch means (32) for initiating device operation.
6. A reminder device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the third switch means (32) comprises
a pull tab for interconnecting a device power source to the device (10).
7. A reminder device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising storing
means storing a lookup table, the lookup table comprising a plurality of interval
time periods of successively longer duration, and wherein the determining means determines
the predetermined interval time period using the lookup table.
8. A reminder device as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the elapsed
interval time is used as an index pointer for pointing to a location in the lookup
table, said location containing the predetermined interval time period.
9. A reminder device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device (10)
is packaged in a credit-card sized package and the first timing means, second timing
means, determining means, first comparing means, and second comparing means comprise
a microprocessor (12) with a preprogrammed memory.
10. A reminder device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, the device (10) further
comprising:
a memory for storing a plurality of predetermined interval time periods, said predetermined
interval time periods being of generally increasing duration;
a logic unit for selecting one of said plurality of predetermined interval time periods;
and
a register for storing said selected one of said plurality of predetermined interval
time periods; wherein:
the first comparing means compares the current interval time to said selected one
of said plurality of predetermined interval time periods and generates the first compare
signal therefrom; and
the first switch (26) disables the alarm (24) and signals the logic unit to select
one of said predetermined interval time periods, and store said selected predetermined
interval time period in said register, reset the current interval time and restart
the second timing means.
11. Apparatus comprising, in combination:
a predetermined amount of nicotine chewing gum; and
a reminder device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, the device (10) notifying
a user when to chew a piece of said chewing gum and of the expiration of the first
predetermined time period.
12. A method of operating a reminder device (10) for notifying a user of the expiration
of a fret predetermined time period and of the expiration of an interval time period,
the method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a timing device having an elapsed time counter for maintaining an elapsed
interval time; an interval time counter for maintaining a current interval time, a
comparator for determining the expiration of an interval and the expiration of the
first predetermined time period; an alarm (24) for notifying the user of the expiration
of an interval, and a first switch (26) for resetting the interval time counter and
determining a new interval time;
(b) initiating device operation by starting the elapsed time counter and the interval
time counter;
(c) actuating the first switch in response to the alarm (24) notifying the user that
an interval has ended, thereby disabling the alarm (24), resetting the interval time
counter and determining a new interval time; and
(d) repeating step (c) until the expiration of the first predetermined time period.
13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the timing device further comprises a second
switch (30) for temporarily disabling the alarm (24), the method further comprising
the step of actuating the second switch (30) to temporarily disable the interval time
counter.
14. A method as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, further comprising the step of resetting
the device (10) after expiration of the first predetermined time period, wherein resetting
the device (10) causes a reset flag to be set so that the device (10) cannot be reset
more than once.
1. Erinnerungsvorrichtung (10) zum Benachrichtigen eines Benutzers über den Ablauf einer
ersten vorbestimmten Zeitspanne und über den Ablauf einer Intervallzeitspanne, wobei
die Vorrichtung (10) umfasst:
erste Zeitsteuerungsmittel zum Aktualisieren einer verstrichenen Intervalldauer;
zweite Zeitsteuerungsmittel zum Aktualisieren einer laufenden Intervalldauer;
Bestimmungsmittel zum Bestimmen einer vorbestimmten Intervallzeitspanne;
erste Vergleichsmittel zum Vergleichen der laufenden Intervalldauer mit der vorbestimmten
Intervallzeitspanne und Erzeugen daher eines ersten Vergleichssignals;
zweite Vergleichsmittel zum Vergleichen der verstrichenen Intervalldauer mit der ersten
vorbestimmten Zeitspanne und Erzeugen daher eines zweiten Vergleichssignals, um den
Betrieb der Vorrichtung (10) einzustellen, wenn die verstrichene Intervalldauer die
gleiche ist wie die erste vorbestimmte Zeitspanne;
einen Alarm (24), der auf das erste Vergleichssignal zur Benachrichtigung des Benutzers
reagiert, dass die laufende Intervalldauer gleich der vorbestimmten Intervallzeitspanne
ist, was den Ablauf der ersten vorbestimmten Intervallzeitspanne bedeutet; und
einen ersten Schalter (26) zum Abschalten des Alarms und zum Melden an die Bestimmungsmittel,
eine neue vorbestimmte Intervallzeitspanne zu bestimmen, die laufende Intervalldauer
zurückzusetzen und die zweiten Zeitsteuerungsmittel neu zu starten.
2. Erinnerungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, worin das Bestimmungsmittel die neue vorbestimmte
Intervallzeitspanne in Abhängigkeit von der verstrichenen Intervalldauer in den ersten
Zeitsteuerungsmitteln bestimmt.
3. Erinnerungsvorrichtung nach den Ansprüchen 1 oder 2, worin die Vorrichtung (10) weiter
ein Rücksetz-Flag umfasst, um zu verhindern, dass die Vorrichtung (10) nach dem Ablauf
der ersten vorbestimmten Zeitspanne mehr als einmal zurückgesetzt und neu gestartet
wird.
4. Erinnerungsvorrichtung nach den Ansprüchen 1, 2 oder 3, welche weiter einen zweiten
Schalter (30) zum zeitweiligen Abschalten des Alarms (24) umfasst.
5. Erinnerungsvorrichtung nach einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, welche weiter
ein drittes Schaltmittel (32) zum Initiieren des Vorrichtungsbetriebs umfasst.
6. Erinnerungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, worin das dritte Schaltmittel (32) eine Aufreißlasche
zum Verbinden einer Vorrichtungsstromquelle mit der Vorrichtung (10) umfasst.
7. Erinnerungsvorrichtung nach einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, welche weiter
Speichermittel zum Speichern einer Tabelle umfasst, wobei die Tabelle eine Vielzahl
von Intervallzeitspannen mit sukzessiv längerer Dauer umfasst und worin das Bestimmungsmittel
die vorbestimmte Intervallzeitspanne unter Verwendung der Tabelle bestimmt.
8. Erinnerungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, worin zumindest ein Teil der verstrichenen
Intervalldauer als ein Indexzeiger zum Zeigen auf eine Stelle in der Tabelle verwendet
wird, wobei die Stelle die vorbestimmte Intervallzeitspanne enthält.
9. Erinnerungsvorrichtung nach einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, worin die Vorrichtung
(10) in ein kreditkartengroßes Gehäuse verpackt ist und die ersten Zeitsteuerungsmittel,
zweiten Zeitsteuerungsmittel, Bestimmungsmittel, ersten Vergleichsmittel und zweiten
Vergleichsmittel einen Mikroprozessor (12) mit einem vorprogrammierten Speicher umfassen.
10. Erinnerungsvorrichtung nach einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, wobei die Vorrichtung
(10) weiter umfasst:
einen Speicher zum Speichern einer Vielzahl von vorbestimmten Intervallzeitspannen,
wobei die vorbestimmten Intervallzeitspannen von allgemein zunehmender Dauer sind;
eine Logikeinheit zum Auswählen einer der Vielzahl von vorbestimmten Intervallzeitspannen;
und
ein Register zum Speichern der gewählten einen der Vielzahl von vorbestimmten Intervallzeitspannen;
worin:
das erste Vergleichsmittel die laufende Intervalldauer mit der gewählten einen der
Vielzahl von vorbestimmten Intervallzeitspannen vergleicht und daher das erste Vergleichssignal
generiert; und
der erste Schalter (26) den Alarm (24) abschaltet und der Logikeinheit signalisiert,
eine der vorbestimmten Intervallzeitspannen zu wählen und die gewählte vorbestimmte
Intervallzeitspanne im Register zu speichern, die laufende Intervalldauer zurückzusetzen
und das zweite Zeitsteuerungsmittel neu zu starten.
11. Vorrichtung, die in Kombination umfasst:
eine vorbestimmte Menge an Nikotinkaugummi; und
eine Erinnerungsvorrichtung (10) nach einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 1 bis 10, wobei
die Vorrichtung (10) einen Benutzer benachrichtigt, wenn ein Stück des Kaugummis zu
kauen ist und über den Ablauf der ersten vorbestimmten Zeitspanne.
12. Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Erinnerungsvorrichtung (10) zum Benachrichtigen eines
Benutzers über den Ablauf einer ersten vorbestimmten Zeitspanne und den Ablauf einer
Intervallzeitspanne, wobei das Verfahren die Schritte umfasst:
(a) Bereitstellen einer Zeitsteuerungsvorrichtung mit einem Laufzeitzähler zum Aufrechthalten
einer abgelaufenen Intervalldauer; einen Intervalldauerzähler zum Aufrechthalten einer
laufenden Intervalldauer, einen Komparator zum Bestimmen des Ablaufs eines Intervalls
und des Ablaufs der ersten vorbestimmten Zeitspanne; einen Alarm (24) zum Benachrichtigen
des Benutzers über den Ablauf eines Intervalls und einen ersten Schalter (26) zum
Zurücksetzen des Intervalldauerzählers und Bestimmen einer neuen Intervalldauer;
(b) Initiieren des Vorrichtungsbetriebs durch Starten des Laufzeitzählers und des
Intervalldauerzählers;
(c) Auslösen des ersten Schalters in Reaktion auf den Alarm (24) zum Benachrichtigen
des Benutzers, dass ein Intervall beendet ist, wodurch der Alarm (24) abgeschaltet,
der Intervalldauerzähler zurückgesetzt und eine neue Intervalldauer bestimmt wird;
und
(d) Wiederholen des Schritts (c) bis zum Ablauf der ersten vorbestimmten Zeitspanne.
13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, worin die Zeitsteuerungsvorrichtung weiter einen zweiten
Schalter (30) zum temporären Abschalten des Alarms (24) umfasst, wobei das Verfahren
weiter den Schritt des Auslösens des zweiten Schalters (30) umfasst, um den Intervalldauerzähler
temporär abzuschalten.
14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12 oder 13, welches weiter den Schritt des Zurücksetzens der
Vorrichtung (10) nach Ablauf der ersten vorbestimmten Zeitspanne umfasst, worin das
Zurücksetzen der Vorrichtung (10) das Setzen eines Rücksetz-Flags derart bewirkt,
dass die Vorrichtung (10) nicht mehr als einmal zurückgesetzt werden kann.
1. Dispositif formant mémento (10) pour avertir un utilisateur de l'expiration d'une
première période de temps prédéterminée et de l'expiration d'une période de temps
d'intervalle, le dispositif (10) comprenant :
un premier moyen de chronométrage pour mettre à jour un temps d'intervalle écoulé
;
un second moyen de chronométrage pour mettre à jour un temps d'intervalle courant
;
un moyen de détermination pour déterminer une période de temps d'intervalle prédéterminée
;
un premier moyen de comparaison pour comparer la période de temps d'intervalle courante
à la période de temps d'intervalle prédéterminée et pour produire un premier signal
de comparaison à partir de ce dernier ;
un second moyen de comparaison pour comparer le temps d'intervalle écoulé à la première
période de temps prédéterminée et pour produire un second signal de comparaison à
partir de ce dernier pour cesser le fonctionnement du dispositif (10) quand le temps
d'intervalle écoulé est le même que la première période de temps prédéterminée ;
une alarme (24) sensible au premier signal de comparaison pour avertir l'utilisateur
que le temps d'intervalle courant est égal à la période de temps d'intervalle prédéterminée
signifiant l'expiration de la période de temps d'intervalle prédéterminée ; et
un premier commutateur (26) pour mettre hors de service l'alarme et pour signaler
au moyen de détermination de déterminer une nouvelle période de temps d'intervalle
prédéterminée, pour remettre à l'état initial le temps d'intervalle courant et pour
redémarrer le second moyen de chronométrage.
2. Dispositif formant mémento selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le moyen de détermination
détermine la nouvelle période de temps d'intervalle prédéterminée en fonction du temps
d'intervalle écoulé dans le premier moyen de chronométrage.
3. Dispositif formant mémento selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, dans lequel
le dispositif (10) comprend de plus un indicateur de remise à l'état initial pour
empêcher le dispositif (10) d'être remis à l'état initial et redémarré plus d'une
fois après l'expiration de la première période de temps prédéterminée.
4. Dispositif formant mémento selon la revendication 1, 2 ou 3, comprenant de plus un
deuxième commutateur (30) pour mettre temporairement hors service l'alarme (24).
5. Dispositif formant mémento selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, comprenant
de plus un troisième moyen de commutateur (32) pour amorcer le fonctionnement du dispositif.
6. Dispositif formant mémento selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le troisième moyen
de commutateur (32) comprend une patte de traction pour connecter une source d'énergie
de dispositif au dispositif (10).
7. Dispositif formant mémento selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, comprenant
de plus un moyen de stockage stockant une table de consultation, la table de consultation
comprenant une pluralité de périodes de temps d'intervalle de durée successivement
plus longue, et dans lequel le moyen de détermination détermine la période de temps
d'intervalle prédéterminée en utilisant la table de consultation.
8. Dispositif formant mémento selon la revendication 7, dans lequel au moins une partie
du temps d'intervalle écoulé est utilisée comme un pointeur d'index pour pointer sur
un emplacement dans la table de consultation, ledit emplacement contenant la période
de temps d'intervalle prédéterminée.
9. Dispositif formant mémento selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel
le dispositif (10) est présenté dans un format de carte de crédit, et le premier moyen
de chronométrage, le second moyen de chronométrage, le moyen de détermination, le
premier moyen de comparaison, et le second moyen de comparaison comprennent un microprocesseur
(12) avec une mémoire préprogrammée.
10. Dispositif formant mémento selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, le dispositif
(10) comprenant de plus :
une mémoire pour stocker une pluralité de périodes de temps d'intervalle prédéterminées,
lesdites périodes de temps d'intervalle prédéterminées étant de durée globalement
croissante ;
une unité logique pour sélectionner l'une de ladite pluralité de périodes de temps
d'intervalle prédéterminées ; et
un registre pour stocker ladite période sélectionnée de ladite pluralité de périodes
de temps d'intervalle prédéterminées ; dans lequel :
le premier moyen de comparaison compare le temps d'intervalle courant à ladite période
sélectionnée de ladite pluralité de périodes de temps d'intervalle prédéterminées
et produit le premier signal de comparaison à partir de ce dernier ; et
le premier commutateur (26) met hors service l'alarme (24) et signale à l'unité logique
de sélectionner l'une desdites périodes de temps d'intervalle prédéterminées, et de
stocker ladite période de temps d'intervalle prédéterminée sélectionnée dans ledit
registre, de remettre à l'état initial le temps d'intervalle courant et de redémarrer
le second moyen de chronométrage.
11. Appareil comprenant, en combinaison :
une quantité prédéterminée de chewing-gum à la nicotine ; et
un dispositif formant mémento (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10,
le dispositif (10) avertissant un utilisateur du moment où mâcher un morceau dudit
chewing-gum et de l'expiration de la première période de temps prédéterminée.
12. Procédé de mise en oeuvre d'un dispositif formant mémento (10) pour avertir un utilisateur
de l'expiration d'une première période de temps prédéterminée et de l'expiration d'une
période de temps d'intervalle, le procédé comprenant les étapes suivantes :
(a) réalisation d'un dispositif de chronométrage ayant un compteur de temps écoulé
pour maintenir un temps d'intervalle écoulé ; un compteur de temps d'intervalle pour
maintenir un temps d'intervalle courant, un comparateur pour déterminer l'expiration
d'un intervalle et l'expiration de la première période de temps prédéterminée ; une
alarme (24) pour avertir l'utilisateur de l'expiration d'un intervalle, et un premier
commutateur (26) pour remettre à l'état initial le compteur d'intervalle de temps
et pour déterminer un nouveau temps d'intervalle ;
(b) amorçage du fonctionnement du dispositif en démarrant le compteur de temps écoulé
et le compteur de temps d'intervalle ;
(c) mise en oeuvre du premier commutateur en réponse à l'alarme (24) avertissant l'utilisateur
qu'un intervalle s'est terminé, mettant de ce fait hors service l'alarme (24), remettant
à l'état initial le compteur de temps d'intervalle et déterminant un nouveau temps
d'intervalle ; et
(d) répétition de l'étape (c) jusqu'à l'expiration de la première période de temps
prédéterminée.
13. Procédé selon la revendication 12, dans lequel le dispositif de chronométrage comprend
de plus un second commutateur (30) pour mettre temporairement hors service l'alarme
(24), le procédé comprenant de plus l'étape de mise en oeuvre du second commutateur
(30) pour temporairement mettre hors service le compteur de temps d'intervalle.
14. Procédé selon la revendication 12 ou la revendication 13, comprenant de plus l'étape
de remise à l'état initial du dispositif (10) après expiration de la première période
de temps prédéterminée, dans lequel la remise à l'état initial du dispositif (10)
provoque la mise à un d'un indicateur de remise à l'état initial de sorte que le dispositif
(10) ne peut pas être remis à l'état initial plus d'une fois.